I just finished the first turn of my solo learning stumble-through game. I think I got most things generally right but probably borked a few things here and there.

Just wanted to ask: Is it normal for the Japanese to get many more plays/activations than the Allies on Turn 2? My initial Japanese hand had many 'Draw a Strategy Card' events and the Allies had none, with a few low OC cards. After the Allies had used up their last pass, the Japanese had 2-3 card plays that the Allies couldn't react to. I spent these last few cards just moving different units into better spots.

Also, according to the rules, you have to either play a card, commit it to a Future Offensive, or discard one. Can a player just discard anything he wants as his card play (e.g. a low OC card that he has nothing in supply/available for)?

And the Strategy card draw deck is only shuffled when instructed by a card that has been played, correct? Otherwise, it will be left alone and cards drawn off the top until a card comes up that tells me to shuffle the deck?

Is it normal for the Japanese to get many more plays/activations than the Allies on Turn 2?

Yes.

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Can a player just discard anything he wants as his card play (e.g. a low OC card that he has nothing in supply/available for)?

Yes, but that is usually a mistake even for the AP in 42. For instance you can use a card to remove the SW Pac HQ to the turn track and bring it back on map with another. OC 1 cards are ideal for a quick surprise raid.

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And the Strategy card draw deck is only shuffled when instructed by a card that has been played, correct?